The mayor of Arcachon was convicted for threatening and insulting his Green Party rival.

The mayor of Arcachon, Yves Foulon, was sentenced by the Bordeaux criminal court to a €10,000 fine, of which €5,000 was suspended. He was found guilty of threats and violence against Vital Baude, his main Green Party opponent in the municipal elections. He was also fined an additional €30 for non-public insult.

The incident occurred on March 15th, in front of a polling station, a few hours before Yves Foulon's re-election. Filmed without his knowledge, the mayor hurled several insults and threatened to hit his opponent, as well as to pry into his personal life. The video also showed physical contact that caused Vital Baude to back away.

No prison sentence or ineligibility

The court did not fully follow the prosecution's recommendations, which had requested a four-month suspended sentence and a €10,000 fine. No ineligibility for public office was imposed. In civil proceedings, Yves Foulon will have to pay €2,000 to Vital Baude for moral damages and €500 for physical injury.

During his trial, the mayor acknowledged making unacceptable remarks and apologized to his opponent, his family, and the residents of Arcachon. However, he maintained that he had been the victim of a setup and denied any violent actions. His lawyer described the verdict as a step towards reconciliation and suggested that an appeal was unlikely.